How the Public Rates Westgate

[JLB]

In order to not further detract from others' threads, I have started a new one. We frequently go this way when Westgate comes up, the way of focusing on those who post, rather than on the topic.

Perhaps it is peculiar to this website and perhaps it is commonplace on all Internet forums, the need to restate facts until the focus is on the facts, rather that the messengers.

Again, the purveyors of fact have been pointed at, as if a couple grumpy old dudes have created discontent with a resort, based on distant, isolated incidences.

In others' vernacular, to take the blame that the basher bashers have attempted to place on the bashers, I wish to submit the facts, what the public has to say about this subject.

Really, and I mean this sincerely as someone who hitched his wagon to Westgate many years ago, based on the promises made to us, and then continued to dump money into the cash cow for 14 years, that a company as prominent as CFI is in the Central Florida area, and, now, throughout the timeshare world, does not seem to be able to get the message, to fix a few things to make the vacation experience better for their guests.

Really, after dumping thousands of dollars into something, do you think we looked forward to or took lightly the decision that we just had to get out, and at a substantial loss?

Clearly, something is up at Westgate, something that, despite similar, even better, facilities and amenities than other resorts, turns people off. Debate this with the pubic, for they have spoken.

The following is from one of the most popular travel-rating sites on the Internet, Tripadvisor.

The public rates the original, Westgate Vacation Villas, in the bottom half in it’s category- - - #22 of 34 specialty lodging in Kissimmee - - -
- - - - - -
In Kissimmee, here are the timeshares that the public rates higher than the highest rated Westgate resort, and where the public rates Kissimmee Westgate resorts:

Wyndham Cypress Palms: # 8 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Vacation Village at Parkway # 13 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Silver Lake Resort # 17 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Orange Lake: #18 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Polynesian Isles # 20 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Orbit One Vacation Villas # 23 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Fantasy World Club Villas # 25 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Oak Plantation Resort # 26 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Barefoot’n in the Keys # 27 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Star Island Resort and Club # 31 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
High Point World Resort # 32 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Villages at Mango Key # 33 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Celebration World Resort # 36 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Villas at Fortune Place # 42 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
Westgate Town Center: #45 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
. . . . .
Westgate Towers: # 87 of 162 hotels in Kissimmee
- - - - - -

In Orlando, there are many timeshares that the public rates higher than Westgate resorts. Here’s a few, and where the public rates Orlando Westgate Resorts:

Horizons by Marriott: # 4 of 292 hotels in Orlando
Marriott’s Cypress Harbour: # 7 of 292 hotels in Orlando
HGVC on International: # 11 of 292 hotels in Orlando
Marriott’s Grande Vista: # 18 of 292 hotels in Orlando
Sheraton Vistana Villages: #23 of 292 hotels in Orlando
Wyndham Bonnett Creek: # 24 of 292 hotels in Orlando
HGVC at Seaworld: # 42 of 292 hotels in Orlando
Disney’s Boardwalk Villas: # 44 of 292 hotels in Orlando
Disney’s Old Key West Resort: # 47 of 292 hotels in Orlando
The Fountains: # 48 of 292 hotels in Orlando
Disney’s Beach Club Villas: # 65 of 292 hotels in Orlando
. . .
. . .
Westgate Palace: # 118 of 292 hotels in Orlando
. . .
. . .
Westgate Lakes: #162 of 292 hotels in Orlando

 

[frenchieinme]

Some people do not always see the same thing...

In order to not further detract from others' threads, I have started a new one. We frequently go this way when Westgate comes up, the way of focusing on those who post, rather than on the topic.

Perhaps it is peculiar to this website and perhaps it is commonplace on all Internet forums, the need to restate facts until the focus is on the facts, rather that the messengers.

=

The following is from one of the most popular travel-rating sites on the Internet, Tripadvisor.

[/B]

Let's look at what one of the most popular travel-rating sites on the Internet, Tripadvisor has to say on Westgate Lakes for the postings for the month of January 2008. There were 9 of them. The ratings were from 1 (worse) to 5 (best). Here is how the posters rated it:

Jan 27---2 out of 5 stars
Jan 27---5 out of 5 stars
Jan 25---5 out of 5 stars
Jan 22---4 out of 5
Jan 10---1 out of 5
Jan 08---1 out of 5
Jan 02---4 out of 5
Jan 02---1 out of 5
Jan 01---5 out of 5

Of the 9 Jan postings, 5 of the 9 rated it 4 or 5 whereas the other 4 rated it a 1 or a 2 experience. From Jan's posts, a little more than 50% of the people rated the Westgate Resort a 4 or a 5. What did these people experience that the other 4 did not or expressed in reverse, what did the 4 not experience that the 5 did? One of the people giving it a 1 started the post with how beautiful, well layed out, place the resort was with its spacious units. Why a 1? It further states they were subjected to a high pressure tour. Why didn't they simply walk out because from the post they made the rest of the experience was good but the post is a 1 because of the tour?

People with the disposition of the 5 will tend to rate it accordsingly and people with the disposition of the 4 will do likewise and people on TUG will continue to be like in the political arean either red posters or blue posters.

Again, I can't speak for Westgate Villas or other Westgate Resorts but I have tried to limit my input to Westgate Lakes because that is the one I have experience with. I have rented my units on many occasions and none of my renters remotely experienced what the 4 Jan Tripadvisor reviewers experienced. That is all I am trying to bring out here.

People need to assess for themselves and based on how they view things will assess and give a review accordingly based on what they perceived. To brand the place Wastegate deprives people of an experience (such as the 5 Jan Tripadvisors had) which others feel they should not even have considered in the first place.

frenchieinme

 

[AwayWeGo]

WestGate, Shmesttgait.

Again, the purveyors of fact have been pointed at, as if a couple grumpy old dudes have created discontent with a resort, based on distant, isolated incidences.

I never knock the grumpy old dudes. Shux, every time I take a shave I see a grumpy old dude in the mirror.

However that may be, our exposure to WestGate (so far) is strictly through high-pressure sales tours of their timeshares -- for freebies. That's not apt to change, in that (a) we won't be buying WestGate, & (b) WestGate timeshares mainly exchange through I-I (not that there's anything wrong with I-I) & we are strictly RCI (not that there's anything wrong with RCI, either).

In fairness, I have to concede that the WestGate timeshare tours are far from the worst we've been exposed to. Top spot on that list bar none goes to Club de Soleil out in Las Vegas a few years ago. Sheesh.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[Steamboat Bill]

JLB - thanks for posting this fantastic research.

Here are a few of my comments:

1. I love Tripadvisor, but I am surprised that Horizons and HGVC beats out every DVC property....something is very fishy here.

2. I can't comment on any Westgate in Orlando as I have never visited one, but I am an owner at Westgate Park City and that place is awesome, but it is rated #24/54 for Park City.

 

[talkamotta]

Nothing new

duplicate post

 

[talkamotta]

Nothing new

I have been a member of Westgate for 11 years now. VVA11 for those of you who know the resort. Yes, I bought it from the developer. 1st year, they sold me an EOY for $5K then the next year I went to EY for an additional $1K and they changed my account to 0% interest. The salesman kept in touch with me over the years. If he knew I was visiting he would pop in and say hello, without any sales pitches. I was very lucky and he was the top sales person for a couple of years. Ive lost touch with him but Im glad I bought. I wont argue that it wasnt one of my best purchases. Can buy Westgate 2 bedrooms w/lofts alot cheaper than $6K. I have received some great trades and good memories because of this resort. So I would be a 4.5 rating.

Over the years, when I have stayed at Westgate. The first 3 years were great. The 5th year, I was invited to a maintenance meeting, yeah right, I was madder than hell for the dishonesty of this sales tactic. I rather made a spectical of myself in the meeting with all the people around. I made a few comments of why would I want to buy another resort here for x amount of dollars when I can buy it on ebay for under $1K. The meeting ended shortly after. I wanted certain things in my unit fixed and thats why I came to this meeting. I saw the property maintenance go down.

In 2004, I made a call to the reservation agent and booked 2 years for Thanksgiving in 2005. The agent was very professional only charge me one trading fee and I received loft units next to each other. In 2005, the customer service was exceptional. We asked for extra pans for turkey dinner. Play pen. High chairs. Dryer needed to be fixed in one unit. They were there promptly and fixed it. The unit could use some new paint and the birds need to go but the leather couches, beds were in great shape. They were painting the outside of the units while we were there.

The sales staff tried to book me for a meeting, I told them I didnt know if I would be available but we could book it for Friday (day before I left). I was busy and forgot, they didnt bother me any other time.

I dont usually go to timeshare sales meetings. I wouldnt go to a Westgate one for sure. Ive only been to Westgate Vacation Villas, Westgate Lakes, Westgate Canyons and Westgate Flamingo in Vegas. All have been very nice resorts. Only my home resort has asked me to attend a sales presentation. The others never approached me in person.

By the way, my kids liked Westgate better than the Marriot.

 

[Transit]

Tripadvisor reports tend to vary so wildly i'ts sometimes hard to get a good read on weather a resort is right for me.I stayed at Westgate Lakes last summer and had no complaints.We had a very nice vacation and Westgate was very responsive to anthing we needed.I wasn't bothered by the preveiws because it was my cousins unit. The rooms (3 bed) were average ,but well kept.I'd give 3 out of 5 stars.

 

[bnoble]

I'm not sure these are "ratings". It's a "popularity index", and lord only knows what that actually means. It's certainly not average rating: MGV is ranked #18, with an average rating of 4 "little dots". The StayBridge suties is ranked #19, but has an average rating of 4.5 "little dots".

I don't know what it does mean, though; I can't find a description of it anywhere on the site.

That's not to say that Westgate resorts are generally highly ranked, and I have to admit I have no stake in the argument---I don't own Westgate, never have, and other than driving through WVV/WTC, have never even visited, let alone stayed there.

But I think the TUG rankings are probably more meaningful than the "popularity index".

 

[merc]

Interesting how no one seems to acknowledge Westgate management on doing a pretty fine job on keeping very nice resorts functioning and usually improving over many years, for not going bankrupt, for not levying special assessments for unfunded maintenance, or for not jacking up maintenance fees in unexpected leaps. I have always been impressed with Westgate's ability to maintain and grow when most other firms don't or can't. What other proof is there needed than two decades of performing well in obviously the majority of transactions? Many other timeshare companies have folded or deteriorated, probably because they have never quite understood what the resort business takes. Go on some realty websites and check out how many hotels and resorts are for sale, and perhaps get a bargain and show Westgate how to operate.

 

[JLB]

About on track, at least the focus is on the pluses and minuses of CFI resorts.

Sure, almost all owners are satisfied enough to keep paying, as opposed to the other option, losing just about everything they have in it. As is evidenced here, even unhappy owners keep paying.

But, when only 35% (WVV) and 44% (WL) of the public (who care to respond) look favorably on those resorts, and much more favorably on many more resorts, as owners does that not at least make you curious, wanting to know why, or uneasy, or a little upset?

Let me speak as an owner, putting that hat back on. What made me/us feel uneasy when we arrived at WVV is that the first thing you see, the most prominent thing, is the sales big parking lot and sales center on the right. Our first emotion was not an ooh or an ahh, we're home, it was a cringe. Even though WVV is supposedly turned over to independent associations of owners, CFI is still there with an overbearing presence on my resort, using my facilities, to put more money in their pockets, and the first thing I have to see is that.

We bought vacation time in order to vacation.

Yeah, CFI Management has kept the place running (not that still being around is a great measuring stick, as thousands of other resorts are, while relatively few have folded), but at what cost to public relations, and is CFI Management really not just Mr. Siegel.

Could they not just tweak a few things and improve that public relations situation? Or, as owners, do you deny that a problem exists?

 

[JLB]

Any explanation for why the former Grandvista Branson resorts that were Gold Crowns under Grandvista, are not under WG? The primary one, the former Cedar Ridge, has no RCI rating at all?

What does that say about WG?

And how is that good for the owners?

Interesting how no one seems to acknowledge Westgate management on doing a pretty fine job on keeping very nice resorts functioning and usually improving over many years

 

[frenchieinme]

Let's look at it another way...

Sure, almost all owners are satisified enough to keep paying, as opposed to the other option, losing just about everything they have in it. As is evidence here, even unhappy owners keep paying.

But, when only 35% (WVV) and 44% (WL) of the public look favorably on those resorts, and much more favorably on many more resorts, as owners does that not at least make you curious, wanting to know why, or uneasy, or a little upset?

As a present owner I am satisfied not because the alternative is selling but because I have been and continue to be treated fairly and well. My whole extended family feels that way. I just received a tel call from the daughter in Nashville informing me she will not only be there in March during her spring break (as planned) but also Th thru Sun of Presidents' week (unplanned) because Southwest is making it affordable with below $100 fares and Westgate Lakes keeps making her and her daughter's vacation there memorable and enjoyable. It is not unhappy owners as they are referred to but happy ones that keep paying.

There is a mention of 44% of the public rates Westgate Lakes favorably. Even if this figure is accurate, it does not phase me as much as if the figure were 44% of the owners. The owners are what is important to me. The owners I keep talking to yearly while vacationing to WGL have a high 90% approval rating from my experiences there. Non-owners may tend to be more critical and may have unfair expectations. Keeping this in mind, I went back to Tripadvisor and looked up more past ratings. The negative ratings are mainly from non-owners. That should indicate something to you. Owners, regardless of where they own, appear to have a greater tolerance and liking for their resort. That seems to make sense.

This kind of reminds me in a way to friend of mine who built himself and his wife a 30 X 80 ranch which cost him over $300,000 some 10 years ago. My friend was telling me the wife of an acquaintance after having been given a personal tour of the new house said "I really do not like this house. It is too big. " I wondered if this woman had visited a Westgate Resort and given a bad review because what was seen was opposite of what the owners there were seeing. I guess beauty is really in the eyes of the beholder.

frenchienme

 

[dougp26364]

Any explanation for why the former Grandvista Branson resorts that were Gold Crowns under Grandvista, are not under WG? The primary one, the former Cedar Ridge, has no RCI rating at all?

What does that say about WG?

And how is that good for the owners?

I prefer to think about it as, what does that say about RCI?

You know I'm not a big Westgate fan or supporter but, considering the other resorts that RCI ranks this clearly shows the politics of RCI and should not be considered a reflection of resort quality with Westgate. Westgate Branson Woods is still a 5* or Gold Crown quality resort that just happens to be managed by Westgate.

Tripadvisor is a poor measuring tool for Timeshares. Many people rent expecting hotel services only to find they have to make their own beds each day, take out their own trash and wash their own dishes. For many this is not their idea of a vacation. No matter how large the unit might be. No matter how great the resort amenities might be. If there's not someone making their bed, providing turn down service and bringing them clean glasses every day they'll still consider it a dump.

 

[timeos2]

Wastegate. The bottom of a very, very low pit.

As a present owner I am satisfied not because the alternative is selling but because I have been and continue to be treated fairly and well.

As a long time owner, thankfully at resale so my purchase cost exposure is minimal, I find Wastegate to be a poster child for everything bad about timeshare and especially heavy handed control freak developer/management.

The resorts are, at best, OK - they are not as beautiful or well maintained as they were when we wanted to buy in as the focus was, is and apparently always will be to build more more more, sell sell sell and make money for #1 - the developer. There are too many units so they don't have a good resale or trade value. There are too many so the maintenance is always lacking. The total focus of management is helping sales - not proper operation of resorts or good experience for owners/guests so that experience also suffers.

As for operations and fees they "find" $100/year to pay for the unwanted (by majority of owners) maid services but not to improve the units which is desperately needed. They have held on to control for nearly a decade after it should have been turned over to the individual owners. They have high handedly imposed ARDA fees and "donations" to bogus, developer run "charities" without owner approval or oversight. They play games with ROFR and other impediments to resales they have no business sticking their weasel like noses into.

This is a ham fisted, megalomaniac group that cares zero for anything but sales income and their own pocketbooks. That owners have to be tolerated and actually appear at the desk expecting to enjoy a carefree vacation is only accepted by Wastegate because they use every trick and obnoxious irritation in the book to attempt to sell them even more over priced time that they do their best to devalue at every opportunity.

This group is below pond scum and deserves nothing but total scorn by owners, guests and the public. A zero rating is FAR too high for them.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Why Keep On Punishing Yourself ?

As a long time owner, thankfully at resale so my purchase cost exposure is minimal, I find Wastegate to be a poster child for everything bad about timeshare and especially heavy handed control freak developer/management.

The resorts are, at best, OK - they are not as beautiful or well maintained as they were when we wanted to buy in as the focus was, is and apparently always will be to build more more more, sell sell sell and make money for #1 - the developer.

I think if I found myself in that spot -- owing a timeshare I loved to hate -- I would dump it pronto via eBay then (also via eBay) buy another resale timeshare I actually like & approve of.

Life it too short to mess with any timeshare I dislike & disrespect.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[timeos2]

Wastegate ain't no Disney or Marriott - they're worse. That isn't easy to do

I think if I found myself in that spot -- owing a timeshare I loved to hate -- I would dump it pronto via eBay then (also via eBay) buy another resale timeshare I actually like & approve of.

Life it too short to mess with any timeshare I dislike & disrespect.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

While to some degree it is self flagellation I suppose I do manage to get fair, if not great, value out of my annual fees by using some combination of RCI/RCI Points with my annual Wastegate week. Since RCI doesn't get many deposits from the waste pit while II is buried in them the value is much higher with RCI. As I said I didn't pay much to get in but even then I'd have a hard time getting out for even that small amount thanks to the actions of this obnoxious group.

Then there is the fact that once you get out of a resort - even a bad deal - but continue to comment on that resort/group it leads to accusations of sour grapes, etc. Just look at the DVC or Marriott threads - places we dumped for reasons of disillusionment and/or bad management policies - now we're considered "outsiders" despite having had first hand experience with those groups. Since we continue to get value from Wastegate and it means we can speak from an owners perspective, we continue to hang in there. But like JLB there will come a day I'm sure when the slime at Wastegate will finally push us too far with another outrageous move and then, reluctantly, we will foist the steaming pile known as Wastegate ownership off on some unsuspecting purchaser. Even that action makes me cringe as I already feel sorry for the poor slob that takes it. Fortunately except for one annual payment, after excising the bogus "donations" tacked on by the management slime, and posts like this we really don't have to deal with Wastegate much anymore. And I enjoy stopping by the weasel den now and then with my owners pass to get some free popcorn and listen to the never ending lies and pressure of the sales force. Free entertainment on a rainy day in Orlando.

 

[JLB]

Thanks, Doug, for providing the obvious reply, which moves us back to the cruxt of the problem, that WG conducts business in such a manner as to alienate people and organizations that a timeshare resort (especially cosidering its owners) would be better off not alienating.

In the case of RCI, they were rubbed the wrong way so hard that more than 15 years later WG owners are still suffering the consequences of abrasive business tactics.

As you likely know, this is still a 2-way street, with WG employees still firing broadsides at RCI every chance they get, in a manner making it clear that they are trained to do so. How does that help the situation, or the owners?

So, whether its owners, guests, sales prospects, or exchange companies, WG clearly is consistent in creating animosity, so much so that the sour taste lasts for years.
- - - - - -
As to your point that tripadvisor is not a good barometer because folks tend to compare a timeshare resort with traditional accomodations:

1. I said that in one of the other current WG threads.
2. I attempted to negate that bias by showing where other TS resorts stand in the eyes of tripadvisor respondents, and many do much better despite the bias.
3. It doesn't say much about timesharing, that a substantial number of respondents would prefer a motel, and some not all that great, over an expensive vacation alternative like timesharing.
- - - - - -
What is the focus of CFI when it comes to WG resorts? Is it that they are places to provide an exceptional vacation experience? Is it that they are places to showcase the ego of one man? Is it that they are stages, paid for by others (the owners), for a small number of people to acquire wealth?

What is the focus of management?

I prefer to think about it as, what does that say about RCI?

You know I'm not a big Westgate fan or supporter but, considering the other resorts that RCI ranks this clearly shows the politics of RCI and should not be considered a reflection of resort quality with Westgate. Westgate Branson Woods is still a 5* or Gold Crown quality resort that just happens to be managed by Westgate.

Tripadvisor is a poor measuring tool for Timeshares. Many people rent expecting hotel services only to find they have to make their own beds each day, take out their own trash and wash their own dishes. For many this is not their idea of a vacation. No matter how large the unit might be. No matter how great the resort amenities might be. If there's not someone making their bed, providing turn down service and bringing them clean glasses every day they'll still consider it a dump.

 

[JLB]

Wow! Deja vu.

Don't you know that DW and I had exactly the same sentiment. Although we were taking a huge loss, we did not want to just dump it on someone, perhaps someone really nice.

As it turned out, it was someone really nice, a preacher from Alabama with a special child. It just so happened that the weeks we owned were his vacation weeks from the church, and that he had a friend in Orlando who went by the resort to check out the pools and stuff like that, before they bought.

We felt a little better that it went that way. Had it not, we felt we would not have been much better than the folks who misled us in the first place, and continued to, except of course, that we were not lining our pockets.

there will come a day I'm sure when the slime at Wastegate will finally push us too far with another outrageous move and then, reluctantly, we will foist the steaming pile known as Wastegate ownership off on some unsuspecting purchaser. Even that action makes me cringe as I already feel sorry for the poor slob that takes it.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Expensive, Shmeckzpensive.

It doesn't say much about timesharing, that a substantial number of respondents would prefer a motel, and some not all that great, over an expensive vacation alternative like timesharing.

We wouldn't be into timeshare if we couldn't rig it so that we get to stay in luxury timeshare accommodations for roughly Motel 6 & Super 8 rates.

Sometimes that works, sometimes not. In any case, it practically always takes some finagling to achieve that result. No problem -- getting there is 1/2 the fun.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[dougp26364]

Thanks, Doug, for providing the obvious reply, which moves us back to the cruxt of the problem, that WG conducts business in such a manner as to alienate people and organizations that a timeshare resort (especially cosidering its owners) would be better off not alienating.

In the case of RCI, they were rubbed the wrong way so hard that more than 15 years later WG owners are still suffering the consequences of abrasive business tactics.

As you likely know, this is still a 2-way street, with WG employees still firing broadsides at RCI every chance they get, in a manner making it clear that they are trained to do so. How does that help the situation, or the owners?

So, whether its owners, guests, sales prospects, or exchange companies, WG clearly is consistent in creating animosity, so much so that the sour taste lasts for years.
- - - - - -
As to your point that tripadvisor is not a good barometer because folks tend to compare a timeshare resort with traditional accomodations:

1. I said that in one of the other current WG threads.
2. I attempted to negate that bias by showing where other TS resorts stand in the eyes of tripadvisor respondents, and many do much better despite the bias.
3. It doesn't say much about timesharing, that a substantial number of respondents would prefer a motel, and some not all that great, over an expensive vacation alternative like timesharing.
- - - - - -
What is the focus of CFI when it comes to WG resorts? Is it that they are places to provide an exceptional vacation experience? Is it that they are places to showcase the ego of one man? Is it that they are stages, paid for by others (the owners), for a small number of people to acquire wealth?

What is the focus of management?

Valid points.

As I've been on vacation, I had not read the other thread. I just stumbled into this one.

As you may know, Westgate is not my favorite resort chain and certainly not one I'd ever want to own with for many of the reasons posted above. I agree with the assessment that Westgate is more focused on sales than current customer satisfaction. But so is almost every other developer. It's just appears that Westgate takes it to extremes.

On the other hand, we just returned from a stay at a Westin resort. We had messages on our phone daily up until the end that we needed to stop by the concierge for our "welcome package." By the end of the stay I was feeling hounded by Westin to stop by so they could take a shot at roping me into a tour. The thought crossed my mind that they were about as bad as Westgate. For that matter, they were actually worse about this than our last stay at a Westgate resort.

But, that's just my opinion. I can find fault with every developer where I own. Fortunately it's just not to the extent of how I feel Westgate handles their business.

 

[JLB]

Since RCI has been brought up, I suspect that my feelings, and John's, and others, is not all that different than RCI's, and when all put together, almost overwhelmingly leads to the conclusion that something is up, not right, different, in the way CFI conducts business. Are we all wrong, just imagining things?

There may not be an end game to this discussion, but if there was, it would be nice if it were to be that some owners become pro-active in affecting change in that M.O. Do you think that is possible, to suggest to CFI management how the owners would like things done?

Maybe start with something simple, something like a Do Not Call list, so that guests can state upfront that they do not wish to be contacted in any way about buying something while they are there, and they don't want to be bothered at home because they stayed there. Of course, then everyone would have to find their own units, without the golf cart escort. And maintenance would have to do whatever they do without the infamous maintenance survey.

Another thing that strikes me is the repeated comments about how nice the resorts are . . . awesome even . . . suggesting that the physical things that furnish a resort are not inadequate, lesser than other resorts, but that it is something else about the resort experience that is turning people off.

 

[FlyKaesan]

I was at WestGate last week and stayed a week while doing the tour.

It seems like they are giving exchangers different unit than the owners unit. I can see people can give different reviews since I have asked for newer unit but they gave me older unit. There were plenty new units available.
When I took the tour, it was newer unit with different lock off. Better kitchen and better systems.
There are so many constructions going on. They said they will be building water park within the resorts at WestGate Villas.
I really liked all the free activities that was available. One thing I didn't like was that WestGate wants you to pay for the internet. I am at Star Island now and they offer free wireless internet.

 

[talkamotta]

If I stay at a resort that I dont own..... I wouldnt expect to have priority.

Of course out of the 5 trades with WGV, 1. Marriott Grande Ocean - garden view 2. Royal Mayan - street and lagoon view 3. Marriott - Mountain view
4. Westgate Canyons - great view 5. Westgate Flamingo Vegas wonderful resort, cant remember if there was a view.

The difference in reviews is not limited to Westgate. Try Pahio Ka Eo Kai, if you stay in Phase 2 not so good Phase 3 always a 8.5 or higher. I made sure I bought in Phase III because of the reviews. At WGV I own in the VVA (3 letter group) I have never been to a v11 or such, again Im happy. The one year I wasnt happy it was because of thier sales staff. I did write some letters and the next couple of years I didnt go there but was very happy with the trades I got.

One of my resorts I own is at Myrtle Beach. Clean but very plain (Im sure a converted motel) and I probably wont go there again. Its right on the beach so I get good trades and I get an AC with II. So even though I dont care for the resort it serves me well for now. If it didnt serve me well I would sell it, give it away, donate it. If I hated WGV or is it just CFI as much as some hate WGV I would get rid of it for sure, anyway I could. If you have hatred for something, it will just eat at you and makes you sick.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Timeshare Exchange Guest Should Get Same Priority As Timeshare Owner.

If I stay at a resort that I dont own..... I wouldnt expect to have priority.

If I stay at a resort where I'm not an owner but I'm checking in as an exchange guest, I expect to be treated just the same as the owner would be treated.

Everything the owner was entitled to via owning & paying for that week goes with it when the owner deposits it with the timeshare exchange company.

Whoever takes that deposited week via exchange should get exactly what the depositing owner would have got -- no more, no less, no exceptions. Same priority, same courtesy, same everything -- bar none.

Anything deviation from that & it's not really an exchange.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[frenchieinme]

In specific response to misinformation being spread...

The resorts are, at best, OK - they are not as beautiful or well maintained as they were when we wanted to buy in as the focus was, is and apparently always will be to build more more more, sell sell sell and make money for #1 - the developer. There are too many units so they don't have a good resale or trade value. There are too many so the maintenance is always lacking. The total focus of management is helping sales - not proper operation of resorts or good experience for owners/guests so that experience also suffers.

As for operations and fees they "find" $100/year to pay for the unwanted (by majority of owners) maid services but not to improve the units which is desperately needed. They have held on to control for nearly a decade after it should have been turned over to the individual owners. They have high handedly imposed ARDA fees and "donations" to bogus, developer run "charities" without owner approval or oversight. They play games with ROFR and other impediments to resales they have no business sticking their weasel like noses into.


This group is below pond scum and deserves nothing but total scorn by owners, guests and the public. A zero rating is FAR too high for them.

1st paragraph. Again, I can not speak for other Westgate resorts other than Westgate Lakes, WGL was and continues to be well maintained and actually beautiful with all the well tended colorful flowers, the men on the roofs power washing them clean, other men always seemingly painting every day, every week,...It makes me wonder when was the last time some people who are critical actually went to Westgate Lakes and saw for themselves. WGL is in continuous upkeep.

2nd paragraph. Maid service is optional. If you want it you pay for it otherwise you get a complimentary mid week maid service which comprises of changing the bed linens, washing the bathrooms and replenishing the kitchen supplies such as paper towels, soap, wash clothes, etc... As for having maid service at the expense of maintaining the property, our 3BR/3BA was completely gone over in 2006 (new carpets, new tile, new appliances, new patio furniture, etc...) and our 4BR/4BA was likewise completely gone over in 2007, The bldgs escrow account takes into consideration a 10 year cycle of improvements. Gosh, what more could one ask for as I think this is pretty darn good. So improving the units at WGL is and continues to be a clearly identifiable and demonstrated activity. Saying they are not is spreading misinformation. One should not paint reality with one swipe of the same brush which appears to be happening here.

3rd paragraph. Calling this group below pond scum seems to be a tad unjustified here based on what I have brought to light as basically factual based on what has been and continues to be happening at WGL. Let's get our facts straight here and not shoot from the hips.

frenchieinme